Category: Combat Sports

One of the tropes of Wild West films is the idea of the snake oil salesman. He rides into town, and promises to cure all ailments and issues with his tonic. He has no proof, aside from showmanship and bluster. Even the most cynical and worldly of townsfolk eventually succumb to his charms and part with their money, not realising they have been duped until the salesman is long gone. I couldn’t help but think about that idea as I watched Floyd Mayweather Jr and Connor McGregor go on a…

On July 29, in the main event of UFC 214, light heavyweight great Jon Jones will attempt to reclaim the title he once guarded so ferociously when he takes on the reigning champ and his biggest rival, Daniel Cormier. In advance of this fight, Jones’ striking coach Mike Winkeljohn says that Jones – who has always been an innovator when it comes to technique – is still adding new weapons to his arsenal. Winkeljohn, guarantees the former UFC light heavyweight champion will not only show up for his UFC 214…

Call me Ishmael. Connor McGregor fighting Floyd Mayweather is sports new white whale. The fight surfaces for air every now and then, and grizzled fight writers and fans, like Ahab aboard the Pequod, sight and, despite our better judgment, set a course for it. The fight interests and disgusts in almost equal measure. Just like the great white whale could be the death of Ahab and his whole crew, the fight could generate obscene amounts of cash yet land a telling blow to the integrity of both MMA and boxing….

by James Oddy Ronda Rousey’s 48-second loss to Amanda Nunes was spectacular, sad, and shocking. Seeing one of the UFC’s more iconic figures dismantled so quickly was not what anyone expected, even those who felt Rousey was a ‘hype job’. Ultimately, it is one thing to lose, it’s another thing entirely to look completely out of your depth, as Ronda did as she ate shot after unanswered shot from Nunes. It’s very hard to see where Rousey goes from this point. But whilst Rousey athletically can perhaps be criticised, her…

Conor McGregor’s victory over lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez on the November 12th UFC 205 card was significant for a number of reasons. For a start, it caused McGregor to become the first UFC fighter in history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously, as he was already holding the featherweight belt. The fact he did so in such a destructive, definitive way, knocking out Alavrez out with his vaunted left hand, also led to McGregor proving once again that he is more than just a charismatic talker. The Irishman…

By James Oddy Boxing’s been supposedly out for the count countless times from its inception. It has always proved a resilient competitor with a cast iron chin however, and always manages to rally. UFC and MMA were supposed to land the knockout blow, but, domestically the sport goes from strength to strength and the Mayweather – Pacman fight was the most lucrative of all time. They aren’t what you’d expect. They aren’t a tattooed behemoth. They aren’t male. Instead, it’s a 5’7 woman form California. Yet, Ronda Rousey has become…

Every month, the Leeds Cage will be writing a column in Urban Echo highlighting the growing trend of mixed martial arts. Whether you are a fan of MMA, UFC or even WWE, Leeds Cage will be giving training tips and fighting techniques for all aspiring mixed martial artists. Keep the fighting in the cage! The advent of mixed martial arts has affected the training methods of nearly all good fighting gyms, due to the nature of MMA, so many aspects of fitness have to be covered to ensure the modern…

ENTER THE CAGE Every month, the Leeds Cage will be writing a column in the Urban Echo highlighting the growing trend of mixed martial arts. Whether you are a fan of MMA, UFC or even WWE, Leeds Cage will be giving training tips and fighting techniques for all aspiring mixed martial artists. Keep the fighting in the cage! Leeds Cage is the culmination of many years training and there are many gyms in different locations around West Yorkshire under many different names. At Leeds Cage we have been at our…